Zastava M57 7.62x25mm Tokarev, 1965 Yugoslav Import, Blued, Single-Action Pistol
This 1965 Zastava M57 is a Yugoslav-made Tokarev variant notable for its forged carbon-steel construction, lengthened grip, and importer-added frame safety. Matching serial numbers on the slide and frame, clear crest markings, and a period leather service holster make it an appealing piece for collectors interested in Cold War small arms.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair – Extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair – Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Rifling Condition: Fair – Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: The blued finish shows scattered scratches and edge wear, with handling marks on the frame and slide. Bore retains a bright sheen with visible rifling despite the noted wear.
What’s Included
- Factory Zastava 8-round magazine with lanyard-ring floorplate
- Yugoslav full-flap leather service holster with spare-magazine pouch
Built by Zastava Arms in the mid-1960s, the M57 retains the Tokarev’s robust single-action design while adding a longer, nine-round-length grip frame that sets it apart from Soviet TT-33 pistols. This example carries the alphabetical “C” serial prefix, dating it firmly to 1965 production.
The forged carbon-steel slide and frame wear their original blued finish, accented by black ribbed phenolic grips bearing the concentric-star medallion unique to Yugoslav service pistols. Rear-only vertical serrations provide a positive grip when racking the slide.
An external manual safety was installed during U.S. importation, meeting domestic regulations while giving shooters a familiar frame-mounted control. The captive recoil spring simplifies field stripping compared with earlier Tokarev designs.
Fixed iron sights—a front blade and drift-adjustable rear notch—offer the straightforward, snag-free profile typical of military sidearms from this era. Inside, the 4.6-inch barrel shows a shiny bore with serviceable rifling, ready for range use with surplus or modern 7.62x25mm ammunition.